FilmRoar

An AP report states that the two minor TV networks, UPN and The WB

will shut down this fall and programming from both will be used to launch a new network aimed mainly at young and minority viewers.

. The move is not terribly surprising given the similarity in programming and demographic between the two networks.

I just got done re-watching Joss Whedon’s Sci-Fi masterpiece “Firefly” (2002) from the first to the last episode and I feel I must re-iterate my previous advice and recommend the series to anyone that enjoys good writing, good acting and great directing. It baffles the mind how this singularly tremendous television series got the boot while crap-as-usual was kept on the air. Now more that ever I am terribly excited for the upcoming movie adaptation Serenity due out on Sept 30, 2005. Really, if you have not yet, do take the time to watch the TV show before the movie comes out.

An article posted at Cinescape.com gives us an exciting look at the 2004-2005 slate for the SciFi channel. In addition to the previously announced Farscape mini-series SciFi is working on a plethora of new shows, specials and mini-series. Here is a glimpse of what we have to look forward to:
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According to an article posted last week on FilmForce the WB, FOX and Mutant Enemy are holding talks to consider options to keep Joss Whedon’s Angel on the air. The WB announced in February that Angel would end with the fifth season, details are at: Film Roar: Season 5 of Angel to be the Last

Good news for all who enjoyed the recent revival of Battlestar Galactica (2003). It is now official that the show has been picked up by the SciFi channel. Here is what SciFi has to say in their release:

SCI FI Channel has greenlit production on the Battlestar Galactica franchise as a new original weekly series. Based on the top-rated December miniseries event of the same name, the one-hour drama is slated to begin production on 13 episodes in Vancouver next month.

All principal cast from the mini will reprise their roles for the series, including Edward James Olmos (Commander Adama), Mary McDonnell (President Laura Roslin), Katee Sackhoff (Starbuck) and Tricia Helfer (Number Six), among others.

Back in January I found out that one of my favorite plays, Tony Kushner’s Angels in America was being adapted for an HBO Movie. I asked around to see if someone with HBO could tape it for me, but the only people I found who subscribe are friends of friends that I do not see often. I want to make sure I don’t miss this (though it will almost certainly be released on DVD next year) and just ordered my cable package upgraded to digital cable with HBO so I can record it at home. This could be good… very good.

But then again maybe not. In a report on
Darkhorizons.com an insider says the last season of the cancelled show may be completed after all:

Farscape (TV): The cancelled but highly acclaimed Sci-Fi Channel series which had its plug pulled earlier this year may be making a comeback. Last week an insider sent along this rumour: “Farscape is back in production - the series is to be wrapped up in 4-6 new episodes with the usual crew, cast and producers. The props and sets are being dusted off and are being assembled in preparation for filming in Sydney. The new mini-season will complete the story arc and bring closure”. An interesting story and a solid source but still it sounded almost like wishful thinking and as there still hasn’t been any official announcement about it I held off. After all, you would’ve thought Sci-Fi would have shouted it from the rooftops that its coming back to appease the ravenous fans of the show (incl. me). Then some people I know connected with the show started mentioning it’s coming back and its confirmed that the Sydney production office is open again. I placed three separate calls to them on Tuesday to confirm/deny the rumours and all three calls were not only summarily cut off at their end but the secretary hurled nasty insults (courtesy is a dying art) - I’ve never had problems with these guys before so best guess would be they’ve been advised not to speak to press at all (which would explain the lack of coverage locally). That would also explain that when I got in contact with a US publicity rep for Sci-Fi, they said they couldn’t comment on it at this time but will be releasing details when they’re available soon. Something IS stirring, I guess we’ll have to wait to find out what exactly.

Fans will probably not have to wait long to find out the news. A Farscape Convention in Burbank California is happening this weekend. On the schedule for Friday afternoon is:

SAVING FARSCAPE: Join BritAngie from Benbrowder.co.uk, Dani from Farscapeworld.com, Red from Savefarscape.com and Voy from the Chicago Scapers as they talk about the fan campaign to save the series. They’ll discuss where the campaign started, the highs and the lows, and what the future might bring.